Maryland Cannabis Tax Rate Increases to 12% Starting July 1

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June 26, 2025

Starting Tuesday, July 1, Maryland will increase the sales tax on recreational marijuana purchases from 9% to 12%, a change expected to generate tens of millions in additional revenue annually.

The new rate will apply to all adult-use marijuana transactions. However, those with a valid medical marijuana card will continue to be exempt from the tax, allowing them to purchase cannabis tax-free from licensed dispensaries across the state.The 3% increase will raise the price of a $10 gram by about 30 cents. Based on Maryland’s $1.14 billion in legal marijuana sales in 2024, the higher tax rate would have produced approximately $34 million more in tax revenue if it had been in effect all year.

The tax hike was included as part of legislation approved last year, which allows the state to increase the marijuana sales tax incrementally through 2030. Under the law, the rate is set to rise to 13% in 2027 and 15% in 2030.

Revenue from marijuana sales is split among various state funds, including those aimed at community reinvestment, public health initiatives, and cannabis business assistance. Maryland began legal marijuana sales in July 2023 following voter approval of a legalization measure in the 2022 election.